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18
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
This condition is defined as:—
“Any febrile condition (other than a condition which is required to be notified as
puerperal fever) occurring in a woman within 21 days after childbirth or miscarriage
in which a temperature of 100-4 degrees Fahrenheit, or more, has been sustained during
a period of 24 hours or has recurred during that period.”
The febrile condition referred to in the above definition may be due to any cause, and it
may be to some cause quite independent of the puerperal condition. It may, however, be
the precursor of the more serious condition known as puerperal fever, and it is with this in
view that the numerous conditions comprised under the term puerperal pyrexia are made
notifiable.
During the year the Council retained the services of Mr. Aleck W. Bourne, F.R.C.S.
(England), Obstetric Surgeon to Out-patients, St. Mary's Hospital, to act in a consultative
capacity, for cases of puerperal pyrexia. Two requests for his assistance were made to the
Council during the year.
During the year 42 cases of puerperal pyrexia were notified, 40 of which occurred within
or were removed to institutions.
One case of puerperal pyrexia was nursed by the District Nurses at home, 80 visits
being paid.
ERYSIPELAS.
Sixty-nine (69) cases were notified, 28 of which occurred within or were removed to
hospitals.
ACUTE POLIO-MYELITIS.
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One case of this disease, otherwise known as Infantile Paralysis, was notified. Owing
to the serious after-effects, such as deformities, which result from this disease much care is
taken to keep in touch with all cases previously notified. Recent experience tends to show
that most of the cases notified by doctors receive all the necessary remedial treatment. It is
evident that the possibility of preventing the onset of serious deformities is now realised by
parents and doctors more than formerly.
ACUTE POLIO-ENCEPHALITIS.
One case of this disease, somewhat similar in its nature to the last mentioned, was
notified.
ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS LETHARGICA.
Five cases of this disease were notified. This disease, commonly known as " sleepy sickness,"
is found to be frequently the forerunner of progressive mental and physical deterioration,
occasionally signalised by disorders of conduct. For this reason careful enquiry is made as
to the after-history of all cases of this disease which are brought to notice.
CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.
Six cases of this disease were notified in 1929.
MALARIA.
No cases of this disease were notified.